A family spokesman said that a 38-year-old New York woman who died after sitting in a sauna-like sweat lodge at a scenic Arizona resort was an avid surfer and hiker who was “in top shape,” took self-improvement seriously, and had a passion for art.

During a spiritual cleansing ceremony, Kirby Brown of Westtown, N.Y., was one of two people who died Thursday evening after being overcome in the crudely built hut. On Saturday, authorities identified the other victim as 40-year-old James Shore of Milwaukee, who served as director of business development at an Internet marketing company in his hometown.

Nineteen other people suffering from burns, dehydration, respiratory arrest, kidney failure, or elevated body temperature were taken to hospitals. Most were soon released, but one remained in critical condition Saturday.

Cousin and family spokesman Tom McFeeley said that Brown had no pre-existing health conditions that would have kept her from participating in an otherwise safe activity. That two people died and 19 others became ill at the Angel Valley Retreat Center indicates that “something went horribly wrong.”

(via ABC News)